Soft shell crab season in Virginia Beach kicks off by mid-April and can run through September. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for seafood lovers. When these crabs shed their hard shells, they become a delicacy—crispy, tender and full of flavor.
Whether you love them fried, sautéed, tucked into a sandwich or topped on a Bloody Mary, you’ll want to act fast. Soft shell crabs are the hottest ticket in town, and many restaurants sell out nightly. Here’s where to find the best soft shell crabs in Virginia Beach when they’re in season.
Oceanfront
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a great place to savor fresh soft shell crabs, whether fried to crispy perfection or tucked into a sandwich, all within easy reach of the beach.
The Atlantic on Pacific
The Atlantic on Pacific is a seafood lover’s paradise, serving up buttery lobster rolls, meaty king crab legs, and when in season, some of the best soft shell crabs in Virginia Beach. Whether served as a sandwich or plated as an entrée, their crispy soft shell crab creations are truly a delight for the taste buds.
Commune
Celebrated for its farm-to-table ethos, Commune crafts a mighty fine soft shell crab sandwich, typically topped with bacon and herb aioli on a fresh sourdough bun—you can even add a fried egg, if the mood strikes. The restaurant also features a full menu of scratch-made menu items, as well as house-made non-alcoholic drinks, specialty cocktails and a full espresso bar. We’ll see you there.
Driftwood Kitchen
Driftwood Kitchen effortlessly blends upscale and casual dining, serving brunch, lunch and dinner entrées, like fried shrimp and blackened tuna. When soft shell crabs are in season, you’ll find them in a flavorful benedict at brunch, prepared as a sandwich and as an entrée special, served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes. Note, closed Mondays.
Rudee’s on the Inlet
Rudee’s on the Inlet is a waterside favorite, and during soft shell crab season, they pull out all the stops. Order them sautéed or fried, as an appetizer, a sandwich or as a dinner entrée, which features two “whale”-sized crabs. With its bustling atmosphere and sundeck seating, Rudee’s is a great choice for soft shell crabs in Virginia Beach.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
A Virginia Beach landmark, Waterman’s Surfside Grille serves up Chesapeake Bay seafood with a side of stunning coastal views. Their popular soft shell crab lunch special features a sandwich or a platter paired with hushpuppies. Soft shell crabs may also make an appearance at dinner, served with two sides, like rice and vegetables.
Inland
Known for its laid-back charm, our Inland region is a great place to savor golden and crispy soft shell crabs.
Boil Bay Cajun Seafood & Bar
Spice things up at Boil Bay Cajun Seafood & Bar. Their casual menu amps up the flavors with a menu of Cajun-style seafood, including crawfish po’ boys and fried catfish. As for soft shell crabs, they’ve got them year-round. Their soft shell crab basket features three perfectly fried crabs and a choice of sides like Cajun fried rice or sweet potato fries.
Coastal Grill
A Virginia Beach institution since 1989, Coastal Grill serves soft shell crabs lightly breaded and fried, then plated with house-made scallion butter. Simple, but oh so satisfying. Their soft shell crabs come from a family-run local business and are served within 24 hours of harvest. Now that’s fresh.
Eurasia Café
A long-time favorite, Eurasia Café boasts seasonal plates and global flavors, featuring dishes like sesame-crusted tuna and sushi cake bites. A lengthy wine list makes pairing a breeze. Soft shell crab offerings vary each year, but keep an eye out for a buttermilk-fried soft shell crab sandwich at lunch and a plated soft shell crab entrée at dinner.
The Shaking Crab
For New Orleans-style seafood, The Shaking Crab offers flavorful seafood boils and fried baskets, like fried shrimp, catfish, and yes, soft shell crabs. Baskets come with a tasty side, like corn on the cob or fried onion rings. For all-comers, this low-key establishment is both delicious and budget-friendly. As a bonus, they’ve got soft shell crabs year-round.
Sandbridge
Known for its calm coastline, Sandbridge is a fantastic place when you’re looking for flavorful soft shell crab dishes just a short distance from the shore.
Margie & Ray’s Seafood Restaurant Crab House & Raw Bar
In Sandbridge, Margie & Ray’s is the place to go for fresh seafood, offering everything from grilled scallops and she-crab soup to stuffed flounder and, of course, soft shell crabs. Their fried soft shell crab dinner is a year-round favorite. You can also enjoy a soft shell crab benedict for breakfast or a soft shell crab sandwich for lunch. Note, closed Mondays.
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is a top spot to enjoy fresh soft shell crabs, whether lightly sautéed or served with a side of Old Bay fries.
Bay Local Eatery
Bay Local Eatery offers a brunch favorite: the Bloody Blue, a house-made Bloody Mary crowned with a crispy soft shell crab. As the season kicks off, keep an eye out for limited-time specials. With three locations across Virginia Beach–including Oceanfront, Chesapeake Bay and Inland–delicious soft shell crabs are within easy reach.
Citrus
With two locations, including Chesapeake Bay and Inland, Citrus is a go-to spot for breakfast and lunch in Virginia Beach. Their seasonal soft shell crab benedict is heavenly, featuring farm-fresh poached eggs, tomato and sautéed spinach. You’ll also find a delicious soft shell crab sandwich on the menu. One visit, and you’ll be back for more.
Dockside Restaurant
Right on the inlet, Dockside Restaurant is known for its casual atmosphere, ocean-fresh seafood, a can’t-miss raw bar and sunset dinner specials until 5:30 pm. Their soft shell crab sandwiches (two crabs) and dinner entrées (three crabs) are seasonal favorites. For those who want just a taste, one soft shell crab can be added as a side.
Surf Rider
With three locations across Virginia Beach–including Oceanfront, Chesapeake Bay and Inland–Surf Rider makes it easy to get your soft shell fix. This casual seafood restaurant with a full bar and outdoor seating wins over hungry diners with both a soft shell crab sandwich and an entrée with two crabs as limited-time menu specials.
Pungo
Surrounded by farmland and coastal charm, Pungo is a wonderful spot to enjoy soft shell crabs, from classic fried platters to creative seasonal specials.
Blue Seafood & Spirits
Only open for dinner, Blue Seafood & Spirits is known for its fresh, high-quality seafood, from broiled lump crab cakes to tempura fried shrimp. In season, their soft shell crab dinner steals the show, served with crispy bacon and fresh tomato slices. They also offer a single soft shell crab appetizer. Note, closed Sundays and Mondays.
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